Method and apparatus for sealing materials without glue

ABSTRACT

In certain embodiments, a system comprises at least two material pieces, at least one being a sheet of paper having a coating thereon, and an object such as a disc positioned between the material pieces. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. Additionally, the system includes a die press to create a heat-seal fusing the material pieces, forming a pocket therebetween containing the disc. The die press may be heated, thereby causing the coating to melt and create a seal between the material pieces. The disc is substantially surrounded by the heat-seal. Further, the system may include access means formed in at least one of the material pieces to allow for access to and retrieval of the disc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for sealing materials without the use of glue, and, more particularly, sealing materials via a heated die press system to form heat-seals created by aqueous coatings on the materials.

BACKGROUND

Die press systems to seal materials can be used in a wide variety of industries for a wide variety of applications. Additionally, glue is often used in conjunction with the die press system to create the seal between the material pieces. However, these glue-based seals can often be disadvantageous for many reasons, including aesthetics, durability and strength, just to name a few.

Additionally, the use of discs such as CD-ROMs (compact disc-read only memory) and DVDs (digital versatile disc) has become increasingly common. In order to expose as many potential customers as possible to their products, providers would like to mail the CD-ROMs and DVDs to a great many potential customers as well as provide the discs in association with other items such as books and manuals.

There is therefore a need for an improved die press system to heat-seal materials without the use of glue, as well as improved disc packages. The present disclosure is directed toward systems which meet these needs.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, an apparatus comprises a first sheet of paper having a coating, a second piece of material, and a disc positioned between the first sheet and the second piece of material. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. The apparatus includes a die-formed heat-seal fusing the first sheet and the second piece of material, and forming a pocket containing the disc, the disc being substantially surrounded by the heat-seal. The heat-seal includes the coating of the first sheet melted and sealed to the second piece of material. The apparatus may further include access means formed in the first sheet and positioned over the pocket to access the disc.

In certain embodiments, a system comprises first and second material pieces. The first material piece is a sheet of paper having a coating. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. The system includes a disc positionable between the first and second material pieces. Additionally, the system includes a die press having top and bottom press components operable to create a heat-seal between the first and second material pieces to fuse the first and second material pieces together around the disc. Accordingly, the disc is substantially surrounded by the heat-seal. To create the heat-seal, at least one of the die process components is heated via radio frequency energy to melt a portion of the coating of the first material piece to the second material piece.

In certain embodiments, a method comprises providing first and second paper material pieces to be heat sealed, with the first material piece being paper material having a coating, and providing a disc and positioning the disc between the first and second pieces. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. The method includes forming a heat-seal with a die press fusing the first and second pieces together. In forming the heat-seal, part of the coating of the first piece is melted via radio frequency energy and sealed to the second piece. The material pieces form a space or pocket therebetween where the disc resides, the disc being substantially surrounded by the first heat-seal. In certain embodiments, at least one the first and second material pieces includes access means therein positioned over the space to access the disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of components of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated systems, and further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems and methods for sealing materials without the use of glue and the products produced thereby. At least one material piece to be sealed includes an aqueous coating. A die press using radio frequency (RF) heating can be used to create a heat-seal between the material pieces. In certain embodiments, the die press includes top and bottom press components and at least one of the components is heated. The die press components are pressed together with the material pieces positioned therebetween, thereby melting part of the coating to create the heat-seal between the material pieces. In certain embodiments, an object such as a disc may be positioned between the pieces and be captured therebetween after the heat-seal is formed. Additionally, access means may be included in at least one of the pieces to enable access to the disc. In certain embodiments, one or more of the material pieces may be heat-sealed to a book cover, providing a package of a book along with a disc.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a system 10 for heat-sealing at least two overlying material pieces without the use of glue. The heat seals may be formed by a heated die, such as a die which utilizes radio frequency (RF) heating. In the illustrated embodiment, die press 12 is used to heat-seal sheets of paper 22 and 24 together, between which is positioned an object, such as disc 26. As used herein, the term “disc” is intended to encompass any substantially flat member, whether round or not, having information recorded thereon in any format and by any means. Additionally, one or more of the sheets of paper can also be heat-sealed to book 28 with die press 12 to create a package containing book 28 and disc 26 provided together.

Die press 12 includes top die press component 14 and bottom die press component 16. The die press components, in some embodiments, may be metal die press components. In certain embodiments, components 14 and 16 include matching die press patterns 18 and 20, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, die press patterns 18 and 20 are circular; however, it should be appreciated that patterns 18 and 20 could be shaped and sized differently but still include matching configurations. Patterns 18 and 20 include diameters D_(D), substantially equal in size. Top component 14 includes top plate 15 and bottom component 16 includes bottom plate 17. Components 14 and 16 are configured to be pressed together via a force exerted on plates 15 and 17 to create a heat-seal between sheets of paper 22 and 24, thereby forming an enclosed pocket or space in which an object, such as disc 26, may reside. In such embodiments, the heat-seal between sheets of paper 22 and 24 is in substantially the same shape and size as patterns 18 and 20 and substantially surrounds disc 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, sheets of paper 22 and 24 are circular in shape, having substantially equal diameters D_(P), and disc 26 is circular in shape, having a diameter D_(O). As illustrated, diameters D_(P) of sheets 22 and 24 are at least substantially equal to or larger than diameters D_(D) of die press patterns 18 and 20, so that the die press components are able to create seals within the dimensions of the sheets of paper. It should be appreciated that sheets 22 and 24 could be shaped differently than as illustrated and include other appropriate dimensions, as desired. Additionally, sheets 22 and 24 may be at least partially transparent and include first surfaces 22 a and 24 a, respectively, and opposite second surfaces 22 b and 24 b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, second surface 22 b and first surface 24 a substantially face each other and create the space containing disc 26. As will be discussed further below, at lest one of sheets of paper 22 and 24 includes an aqueous coating able to create the heat-seal upon application of heated die press 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, sheet of paper 22 is also heat-sealed to a book 28 using die press 12. As illustrated, book 28 includes a cover 30 having an outside surface 30 a, an inside surface 30 b and a hole 32 extending therethrough, with hole 32 having a diameter D_(H). FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate book 28 with sheets of paper 22 and 24 and disc 28, after the heat-seals have been formed using die press 12. In certain embodiments, cover 30 may be the front cover of book 28, with disc 26 being visible through hole 32 and through sheet of paper 22 when viewing the front of book 28, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. In certain other embodiments, cover 30 may be the back cover of book 28, with disc 26 being visible and accessible through the back of the book. As FIG. 3 illustrates, disc 26 may also be visible through sheet of paper 24 when viewing inside surface 30 b of cover 30 of book 28.

The heat-seals created by die press 12 may be of sufficient strength as to make access to disc 26 difficult without the use of sharp instruments. In order to alleviate this problem, one or more of sheets of paper 22 and 24 may include access means to access disc 26 contained between the sheets of paper after the sheets of paper have been heat-sealed together. In certain embodiments, both sheets of paper 22 and 24 include a mechanism capable to access disc 26. In certain other embodiments, only one of sheets of paper 22 and 24 includes such an access mechanism. In even certain other embodiments, neither of sheets of paper 22 and 24 include access means, requiring that a sharp instrument be used and/or that the heat-seal between the sheets of paper be at least partially compromised to access or remove disc 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the access means include preferential tear strips 40 and 42 to allow a user to create an opening in the respective sheet of paper via the tear strips to access the object contained within the space between the heat-sealed sheets of paper. In such embodiments, a user may grasp the material adjacent tear strip 40 and/or 42 and pull the material in a direction away from disc 26, causing the tear strip to tear, opening a gap in the particular sheet allowing access to disc 26. Tear strips 40 and 42 may include perforations or other areas of weakened material that will direct a tear along a predetermined path.

As illustrated, tear strips 40 and 42 may be arcuate in shape; however, tear strips 40 and 42 may be shaped and sized differently than as illustrated. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, tear strips 40 and 42 are half-circular in shape and include substantially equal diameters D_(A), the diameters D_(A) being the diameter of the part imaginary circles formed in part by arcuate tear strips 40 and 42. In such embodiments, the diameters D_(A) of tear strips 40 and 42 are necessarily substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter D_(O) of disc 26 in order to access and remove disc 26 from the space created between the heat-sealed sheets of paper.

In embodiments in which disc 26 can be accessed by a user through outside surface 30 a of cover 30 of book 28, the diameter D_(H) of hole 32 is necessarily substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter D_(A) of tear strip 40. However, it should be appreciated that in certain other embodiments, the diameter D_(H) of hole 32 is smaller than the diameter D_(O) of disc 26, such that disc 26 is visible through outside surface 30 a of cover 30, but yet cannot be accessed through outside surface 30 a. In such embodiments, access means in sheet 22 such as tear strip 40 may be absent from system 10, with disc 26 being accessible through access means in sheet 24. It is contemplated that other access means could be used with system 10 to access disc 26 through one or more sheets of paper 22 and 24, such as zippers, flaps, buttons and various other access mechanisms.

In certain embodiments, system 10 may include a sound clip 50 to store digital sound information and play when activated. As illustrated, sound clip 50 may be positioned on inside surface 30 b of cover 30 of book 28. However, it should be appreciated that sound clip 50 can be positioned elsewhere as desired. In certain embodiments, sound clip 50 may store digital sound recordings associated with the subject matter of disc 26. Sound clip 50 may be configured to play the stored digital sound recording upon a user opening book 28. In other embodiments, the sound recording on sound clip 50 may only play when activated by a user, such as by depressing a switch.

It is contemplated that the die press systems of the present disclosure can be used to heat-seal together various material pieces at various positions and orientations. The configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3 is just one example of the numerous possible embodiments capable of being created using the die press systems of the present disclosure. Further examples are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded perspective view of system 110 including die press 12 used to heat-seal together overlying sheets of paper 22 and 24, between which is placed an object such as disc 26. Additionally, at least sheet of paper 22 is also heat-sealed to book 128 to created a package of book 128 and disc 26 provided together. System 110 is similar to system 10, where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described, except that the combination of overlying sheets 22 and 24 containing disc 26 therebetween are heat-sealed to an outside surface of a book cover, rather than an inside surface. In the illustrated embodiment, sheet of paper 22 is heated-sealed to outside surface 130 a of cover 130 of book 128. Additionally, sheet of paper 24 may be substantially transparent such that disc 26 is at least partially visible therethrough. As evident from the illustrated embodiment, there is no hole extending through cover 130 of book 128. However, in other embodiments, a hole may be present and extend through cover 130, such that disc 26 is also visible and retrievable through inside surface 130 b of cover 130.

Additionally, in such embodiments, sheet of paper 24 may include access means, such as tear strip 40 as an example, to access disc 26. Due to the orientation of sheets of paper 22 and 24 containing disc 26 sealed to outside surface 130 a of cover 130, access means in sheet of paper 22 may be absent. In certain embodiments, cover 130 is the front cover of book 128; however, in certain other embodiments cover 130 may be the back cover of book 128.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded perspective view of system 210 similar to system 110 where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. System 210 includes many of the same components as system 110, except that sheet of paper 22 is absent and sheet of paper 24 is heat-sealed to outside surface 130 a of cover 130 via heated die press 12, with an object such as disc 26 positioned and contained therebetween. As described above in connection with system 110, sheet of paper 24 may be substantially transparent such that disc 26 is visible when a user is viewing outside surface 1 30 a of cover 130. Additionally, sheet of paper 24 may be include access means such as tear strip 40, as an example, to access and retrieve disc 26 as desired. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that sheet of paper 24 may be heat-sealed to inside surface 130 b of cover 130, with sheet of paper 22 being absent, such that disc 26 is visible and retrievable from the inside of book 128.

Referring generally to FIGS. 6-7, there is shown a system 310 for heat-sealing at least two overlying material pieces without the use of glue. The heat seals may be formed by a heated die, such as a die which utilizes radio frequency (RF) heating. In the illustrated embodiment, a die press 312 is used to seal a sheet of paper 324 to a disc holder 328, between which is placed an object such as disc 26. In the illustrated embodiment, disc holder 328 includes a center portion 330 having an inside surface 330 a and an opposing outside surface 330 b, and two side flaps or portions 332 and 334 adjacent center portion 330. Die press 312 includes top die press component 314 and bottom die press component 316. The die press components, in some embodiments, may be metal die press components. Additionally, components 314 and 316 include matching die press patterns 318 and 320, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, patterns 318 and 320 are substantially square-shaped, with patterns 318 and 320 including widths W_(D), the widths being substantially equal in size. However, it should be appreciated that patterns 318 and 320 could be shaped and sized differently, but still include matching configurations.

As illustrated, top component 314 includes top plate 315 and bottom component 316 includes bottom plate 317. Components 314 and 316 are configured to be pressed together via plates 315 and 317 to create a heat-seal between sheet of paper 324 and inside surface 330 a of center portion 330 of disc holder 328, thereby forming an enclosed pocket or space in which an object such as disc 26 may reside. In such embodiments, the heat-seal between sheet 324 and center portion 330 is substantially the same shape and size as patterns 318 and 320, and substantially surrounds disc 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, sheet 324 is substantially square shaped and includes a width W_(P). As illustrated, width W_(P) of sheet 324 is at least substantially equal to or larger than width W_(D) of die press patterns 318 and 320, so that the die press components are able to create a seal within the dimensions of the sheet of paper. However, it should be appreciated that sheet 324 can be shaped differently and include other appropriate dimensions. Additionally, sheet 324 may be at least partially transparent and include a first surface 324 a and an opposing second surface 324 b. In the illustrated embodiment, second surface 324 b and inside surface 330 b of center portion 330 substantially face each other and create the space containing disc 26.

FIG. 7 illustrates disc holder 328 after sheet of paper 324 has been sealed thereto using die press 312, with disc 26 contained between the sealed sheet of paper 324 and disc holder 328. As FIG. 7 illustrates, disc 26 may be visible through sheet of paper 324 when viewing inside surface 330 a of center portion 330 of disc holder 328. Additionally, in certain embodiments, side flaps 332 and 334 are configured to fold over sheet 324 to be aligned with center portion 330, creating a folded disc holder for a CD-ROM or DVD or other such similar objects.

Similar to systems 10, 110 and 210, the heat-seal created by die press 312 may be of sufficient strength as to make access to disc 26 difficult without the use of sharp instruments. To address this, sheet of paper 324 may include access means to access disc 26 contained between sheet of paper 324 and disc holder 328 after the heat-seal has been formed. In certain embodiments, sheet of paper 324 may include access means to access and retrieve disc 26 contained between the sheet of paper and the center portion of the disc holder after the sheet of paper has been heat-sealed to the disc holder.

In the illustrated embodiment, access means in sheet of paper 324 includes a tear strip 340 to allow a user to create an opening in the sheet of paper to access disc 26. Tear strip 340 may include perforations or other areas of weakened material that will direct a tear along a predetermined path. As illustrated, tear strip 340 may be arcuate in shape; however, it should be appreciated that the tear strip may be shaped and sized differently than as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, tear strip 340 is half-circular in shape and includes a diameter D_(A3) extending between the ends of the tear strip. In such embodiments, the diameter D_(A3) of tear strip 340 is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter D_(O) of disc 26, in order to access and remove disc 26 from the space created between sheet of paper 324 and disc holder 328. It is contemplated that other access means could be used with system 310 to access disc 26 through sheet of paper 324, such as zippers, flaps, buttons and various other access mechanisms. Additionally, in certain other embodiments, the access mechanism through sheet of paper 324 is absent and disc 26 is retrieved by the use of sharp objects, compromising the heat-seal and/or removing sheet of paper 324 from disc holder 328.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the die press systems used to create the heat-seals in conjunction with systems 10, 110, 210 and 310 involve the use of a heated die press assembly, such as die presses 12 and 312. In certain embodiments, at least one of the die press components, such as upper components 14 and 314 or lower components 16 and 316, of the die press system being used is heated via radio frequency (RF) heating. In some embodiments, both upper and lower die press components are heated prior to creation of the heat-seal. Once the components are heated as necessary, a user may position materials between the die press components as desired in order to create the desired heat-seal. In certain embodiments, the RF heating of the die press system may reach temperatures around 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The selected upper and lower die press components are then pressed together via their respective upper and lower plates by a force. In particular example embodiments, the die press components may be used to apply around 800 to 1000 pounds of pressure to the materials for a length of time around 3 to 7 seconds. Accordingly, the die press components cooperate to create a heat-seal between the selected materials.

According to the present disclosure, at least one of the pieces of material positioned between the die press components to form part of the seal is a sheet of paper having a coating applied thereon. The coating may be applied to one or both sides of the sheet of paper, and may be applied to the entire side of the sheet of paper or only applied to select regions. Additionally, the coating may remain on the surface of the sheet of paper or may partially or completely soak into the sheet of paper.

In preferred embodiments, the coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using RF energy. The at least one polymer may be one or more copolymers, one or more homopolymers, or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the polymer used in the coating has a softening point in the range of 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, in certain embodiments the coating may be a water-based coating. In such cases, the water-based coating may be either an aqueous solution or an aqueous emulsion. In a particular embodiment, the polymer used in the coating is an acrylic copolymer, with the coating including at least 20% acrylic copolymer. In other embodiments, the coating contains one or more other polymers capable of sealing the materials together via RF heating. As examples, the alternative polymer used within the coating could be ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVA) polymer, nylon, polyester glycol (PETG), or polyester polyal.

The coating at least partially melts upon application of the heated die press components, thereby creating a seal between the sheet of paper having the coating and at least one other piece of material. As illustrated, an object, such as a disc, may be placed between the material pieces to be sealed. Accordingly, the seal between the pieces creates a space containing the disc which can then be accessed as desired by a user through access means included in at least one of the material pieces. In such embodiments, a package for distribution containing a disc, such as a DVD or CD-ROM, created.

It is contemplated that books 28 and 128 could include mechanical bound books, soft cover books, saddle-stitch books or other types of books capable of having one or more sheets of paper heat-sealed thereto. Moreover, it is contemplated that the sheets of paper described above may be heat-sealed to other items, such as manuals, booklets, pamphlets and binders as examples, in addition to or in lieu books 28 and 128.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first sheet of paper material having a coating on at least a portion of a first side of the first sheet, wherein the coating includes at least one polymer having a softening point and capable of being heated to the softening point using radio frequency energy; a second piece of material; a disc placed between the first sheet and the second piece of material; a die-formed heat-seal fusing the first sheet and the second piece of material and forming a pocket containing the disc between the first sheet and the second piece of material, the disc being substantially surrounded by the heat-seal, wherein the heat-seal includes the coating of the first sheet melted and sealed to the second piece of material; and access means formed in the first sheet and positioned over the pocket to access the disc.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access means includes at least one tear strip in communication with the pocket.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second piece of material is a second sheet of paper material having a coating on at least a portion of a first side of the second sheet, wherein the coating on the second sheet includes at least one polymer capable of being heated using radio frequency energy.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising a book having a cover with an outside surface and an inside surface, and further comprising a die-formed heat-seal fusing one of the first and second sheets of paper material and the book cover.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the die-formed heat-seal fuses the second sheet of paper material to the outside surface of the book cover.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the book is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical bound book, a soft cover book, and a saddle-stitch book.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cover includes a hole extending therethrough, wherein the die-formed heat-seal fuses the first sheet to the inside surface of the cover, the hole at least partially overlapping the access means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising access means formed in the second sheet and positioned over the pocket to access the disc.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a sound clip member to store digital information associated with the disc.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second piece of material is a book cover.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second piece of material is a backing portion of a disc holder, the disc holder having side flaps adjacent the backing portion configured to fold over the first sheet.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer is an acrylic copolymer.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the softening point is in the range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coating is water-based.
 15. A system, comprising: first and second material pieces, wherein the first material piece is paper material having a coating on at least a portion of a first side of the first material piece, wherein the coating includes at least one polymer having a softening point and capable of being heated to the softening point using radio frequency energy; a disc positionable between the first and second material pieces; and a die press including top and bottom press components operable to create a heat-seal between the first and second material pieces to fuse the first and second material pieces together around the disc, the disc being substantially surrounded by the heat-seal, wherein at least one of the die process components is operable to melt a portion of the coating of the first material piece to the second material piece using radio frequency energy to create the heat-seal.
 16. The system of claim 15, comprising a book having a cover with an outside surface, an inside surface and a hole extending therethrough, wherein the die press is operable to create a heat-seal fusing the first material piece to the inside surface of the cover, wherein the heated die press component is operable to melt a portion of the coating of the first material piece to the inside surface of the cover, wherein the first material piece includes an access mechanism to access the disc, the hole at least partially overlapping the access mechanism.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second material piece includes an access mechanism to access the disc.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the access mechanisms in the first and second material pieces are tear strips.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second material piece is paper material having a coating on at least a portion of a first side of the second material piece, wherein the coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated using radio frequency energy.
 20. The system of claim 15, comprising a book having a cover with an outside surface and an inside surface, wherein the die press is operable to create a heat-seal fusing the first material piece to the outside surface of the cover, wherein the at least one heated die press component is operable to melt a portion of the coating of the first material piece to the outside surface of the cover, wherein the second material piece includes an access mechanism to access the disc.
 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the second material piece is a backing portion of a disc holder, the disc holder having side flaps adjacent the backing portion configured to fold over the first material piece.
 22. The system of claim 15, wherein the second material piece is a book cover.
 23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one polymer is an acrylic copolymer.
 24. The system of claim 15, wherein the softening point in the range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
 25. The system of claim 15, wherein the coating is water-based.
 26. A method, comprising: providing first and second material pieces to be heat sealed, wherein the first material piece is paper material having a coating on at least a portion of a first side of the first material piece, wherein the coating includes at least one polymer having a softening point and capable of being heated to the softening point using radio frequency energy; providing a disc and positioning the disc between the first and second pieces; and forming a first heat-seal with a die press fusing the first and second pieces together, thereby melting part of the coating of the first piece to the second piece and forming a space between the first and second pieces where the disc resides, the disc being substantially surrounded by the first heat-seal, wherein the die press includes top and bottom press components, wherein the forming includes causing the die press components to be pressed together and heating at least one of the die press components via radio frequency energy to create the first heat-seal, wherein at least one the first and second material pieces includes access means therein positioned over the space to access the disc.
 27. The method of claim 26, comprising: providing the die press having top and bottom press components, wherein the components each include a press pattern thereon; heating at least one of the die press components via radio frequency energy; and pressing the die press components together upon the first and second material pieces.
 28. The method of claim 26, comprising applying the coating to the first material piece.
 29. The method of claim 26, comprising providing a sound clip member on one of the first and second material pieces to digitally store sound information associated with the disc.
 30. The method of claim 26, comprising: providing a book having a cover with an outside surface, an inside surface and a hole extending therethrough; and forming a second heat-seal with the die press fusing the first material piece to the inside surface of the cover, wherein the access means is formed in the first material piece and the hole at least partially overlaps the access means, wherein the forming the first heat-seal and the forming the second heat-seal occur substantially simultaneously.
 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the second material piece is paper material having a coating, wherein the coating includes at least one polymer having a softening point and capable of being heated to the softening point using radio frequency energy.
 32. The method of claim 25, wherein the second material piece includes access means therein positioned over the space to access the disc.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein the second material piece is a disc holder, the disc holder having side flaps configured to fold over the first material piece.
 34. The method of claim 26, comprising: providing a book having a cover with an outside surface and an inside; and forming a second heat-seal with the die press fusing the first material piece to the outside surface of the cover, wherein the forming the first heat-seal and the forming the second heat-seal occur substantially simultaneously, wherein the access means is created in at least the second material piece. 